Page 24 of A Captain For Clarissa
As the crewman passed by, nodding respectfully to his captain, Clarissa couldn’t help but feel a pang of disappointment. But when she glanced back at Rafael, she saw the same emotion reflected in his eyes, and she knew that whatever this thing was between them, it was far from over.
Rafael seemed to gather himself, his spine stiffening, before he spoke more formally. “Lady Clarissa, I wondered if you might be interested in assisting me with charting our course tonight?”
Clarissa’s heart skipped a beat at the prospect of spending more time alone with him. “I would be delighted, Captain,” she replied, trying to maintain a semblance of composure despite the butterflies fluttering in her stomach.
Rafael led her to the navigational table, where a sprawling map lay illuminated by the soft glow of lanterns. He began to explain the intricacies of nautical navigation, his deep, melodic voice washing over her like a caress.
As he pointed out their current position and the various instruments used to determine their route, Clarissa found herself increasingly distracted by the way the light played across his chiseled features, the way his eyes sparkled with passion as he spoke of the sea.
“It’s a delicate balance,” Rafael mused, tracing a finger along the map’s edge. “One must always be mindful of the winds, the currents, the position of the stars. But when you get it right, there’s nothing quite like it.”
Clarissa nodded, her gaze locked on his. “It’s like a dance, in a way. A partnership between the ship and the sea.”
Rafael’s eyes widened in surprise, then crinkled at the corners as he smiled. “Exactly so. I must say, Lady Clarissa, you have a remarkable understanding of these things for someone who has spent so little time at sea.”
She felt a blush rise to her cheeks at his praise. “I’ve always been fascinated by the idea of exploration, of discovering new landsand cultures. I suppose I’ve read every book I could find on the subject.”
“I can imagine you at the head of an expedition, leading the way to explore lost cities and unknown civilizations,” Rafael murmured, making her laugh a little.
“I cannot imagine any man who would follow a lady in such an undertaking!”
“I can,” Rafael said, the implication clear in his tone that he was one such man.
Clarissa smiled, looking up at the stars as he pointed out constellations to her, feeling an entirely unfamiliar warmth at the company of this unusual man, this Portuguese sea captain who had not only saved her life but was offering her so many new experiences, all without the slightest expectations of her in return for his kindness.
“Come,” Rafael said suddenly. “The wind is picking up a little and we shall be underway again. You shall steer us through the stars tonight, my lady!” His hand under her elbow guided her gently to stand before the ships spoked wheel, almost as tall as she was.
Clarissa’s eyes widened, her heart racing at the prospect. “But I don’t know how,” she protested, even as her fingers curled around the smooth wood of the wheel.
“Then I shall teach you,” Rafael replied, moving to stand behind her, his strong, solid presence sending shivers down her spine.
Gently, he placed his hands over hers, guiding her movements as he pointed out the constellations above. “There, do you see?” he murmured, his breath warm against her ear. “That bright star is Polaris, the North Star. It’s our constant guide, always pointing the way home.”
Clarissa nodded, her breath catching in her throat as she leaned back into his embrace, savouring the feeling of his arms around her. For a moment, she allowed herself to imagine that this was their life, that they could sail the seas together forever, exploring new lands and new love.
But all too soon, the moment was broken by the sound of laughter from the deck below. Marianne and Alex, arm in arm, strolled into view, their eyes alight with mischief as they caught sight of the couple at the wheel.
“Well, well,” Marianne called out, her voice teasing. “What have we here? A lesson in navigation?”
Clarissa felt her cheeks flush, and she stepped away from Rafael, suddenly aware of the impropriety of their embrace. But Rafael merely smiled, his eyes never leaving hers as he replied, “Indeed, Lady Glenkellie.”
With a final, lingering look, he escorted her back to her cabin, his hand warm against the small of her back. At the door, he paused, his gaze intense as he reminded her to bolt the door behind her.
“Goodnight, Clarissa,” he whispered, his voice low and full of promise. “Sweet dreams.”
As the days passed, their connection only grew stronger, the seeds of friendship blossoming into something deeper, more profound. But always, there were eyes upon them - the crew, Marianne, Alex - a constant reminder of the world beyond their stolen moments.
Clarissa found herself longing for more, for a chance to explore the depths of her feelings without the weight of society’s expectations bearing down upon them. But for now, she would savour each precious moment, each brush of his hand against hers, each secret smile exchanged across a crowded deck.
For in those moments, she knew that whatever the future held, her heart would forever belong to the man who had shown her the stars.
Chapter Ten
Clarissa stood at theship’s railing, her gaze fixed on the horizon as the sun dipped slowly into the sea. The wind whipped at her hair, tugging loose strands from her coiffure, but she paid it no mind. Her thoughts were consumed by Rafael, by the way his presence seemed to fill every corner of the ship, every corner of her heart.
She sensed him before she saw him, his footsteps soft against the deck. “Clarissa,” he murmured, coming to stand beside her. “Is everything alright?”
She forced a smile, tearing her gaze away from the endless expanse of blue. “Of course,” she lied. “I was just admiring the view.”
